Wines Primitivo di Manduria Caliro - Ausilio - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Caliro’s Cuvée Ausilio 2023, Primitivo di Manduria DOC, is a striking red from the sun-kissed region of Puglia in southern Italy. Crafted predominantly from the Primitivo grape, this cuvée harnesses the variety’s renowned concentration and opulence. The 2023 vintage, shaped by generous sunshine and cooling coastal breezes, delivers a juicy, expressive wine, aged either in stainless steel or with subtle oak influences to maintain fruit purity. Expect an intense nose layering ripe black cherry, plum, wild blackberry, and nuances of sweet spice. On the palate, it shows richness and velvety tannins, balanced by a touch of freshness and a lingering, warming finish.

The Primitivo di Manduria DOC stretches across fragmented plots on the Salento peninsula, its vineyards rooted in deep red alluvial soils rich in iron and limestone. This, combined with the region’s hot, Mediterranean climate, allows the grapes to reach exceptional ripeness while maintaining appealing acidity. Puglia itself has a long and storied history as one of Italy’s most prolific wine-producing areas, and Primitivo, genetically linked to Zinfandel, has found its most charismatic expression here thanks to Manduria’s unique terroir and coastal influence.

Caliro’s Primitivo thrives alongside robust, savoury dishes that match its generous body and depth. Classic pairings include slow-cooked lamb shanks with rosemary, beef ragù over orecchiette, or Puglian salsiccia with fennel. The wine also excels with hard cheeses like aged Pecorino or local Caciocavallo. For a more traditional regional experience, serve it with “brasato di manzo” (beef braised in wine) or the famous “bombette pugliesi”, pork rolls stuffed with herbs and cheese.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for 30 minutes to reveal its complexity, then serve at 16-18°C. This allows the lush fruit and spice to unfold, while preserving the wine’s natural freshness and structure. Such a wine will evolve intriguingly over the next few years, offering pleasure whether savoured now or kept in your cellar.